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In Memoriam: Richard T. Raymond

Memorial Street Signs

"RAYMOND LANE"

In observance of every Memorial Day, Hampton Veterans of Foreign Wars gave the supreme sacrifice in defense of their country, in WORLD WAR II, KOREA and VIETNAM and streets, bridges, parks & playgrounds in Hampton, were named in their honor.

"Richard Raymond was born in a small town known as Hampton. He was brought into this world on a cold December day, 79 years ago. Being a child in the 1920's was a challenge, especially on those cold days when all the children had to walk to the East End School. Richard was a young boy who lived for life. He always awaited a challenge and tried everything before saying he didn't like it. Being a very good student at Hampton Academy wasn't enough for Richard. He needed more to his life. Richard went to get a job with the University of New Hampshire, playing drums on a ship going to Europe. After being told that the ship was going on strike and would not be returning to the United States, Richard joined the Merchant Marines.

"Richard married a young German girl in Hamburg, Germany, in 1937. Maria Kohl, Richard's wife, was unable to return to the United States to set up a house and family because she was considered an enemy alien and could not come over until 1942.

"Richard was on the ship, the S.S. Dorchester, during World War II. On February 3, 1943, while heading towards Iceland, the Dorchester was hit by a torpedo and it sank. Over 600 died when the ship went down. As the ship sank, four chaplains sang hymns and passed out life jackets. However, the water was just too cold for anyone to survive.

Richard Raymond grew up at 25 Dearborn Avenue in Hampton. When you think of Richard Raymond and other war heroes, do you remember them as young men and women who lived next door? Do you wonder which of them would be doctors, or lawyers, or teachers? Or which one would be helping to make our world a better place? There is a statue at Hampton Beach of a lady holding a wreath. This statue stands as a remainder for those who lost their lives at sea. Please remember Richard Raymond as a young man from Hampton who died trying to help his country become a better place."

[RAYMOND LANE is named in his honor.]

A Letter from Paula Fowler

Re: Richard T. Raymond photograph

I am writing in answer to your newspaper article requesting a photograph of my uncle, Richard Raymond. Dick was the younger brother of my late mother, Edith (Raymond) Bresnahan. Although I was a small child at the time, I still remember my mother's grief when his ship, the USS Dorchester (later known as the Four Chaplains), went down during the War. Thankfully, my mother was alive and thrilled to be able to attend the ceremony that the Town of Hampton held for these men who were finally recognized as veterans who gave their lives for their country. She was so proud of Raymond Lane, and we had to take many trips to Hampton so she could gaze at the sign.

The family grew up on Dearborn Ave. in Hampton, where my grandfather, Charles H. Raymond, had a blacksmith shop in the back yard until he died in 1958. Dick has a brother, William R. Raymond, living in Florida, and a sister, Pauline (Raymond) Mercier living in South Carolina, who are also thankful that he is now being honored.